Soroptimist International, Clear Lake celebrated the achievements of women everywhere during its annual luncheon March 10 at Robinson Rancheria in Nice. An overwhelming number of people attended the event, which featured guest speaker Susan Skinner, a former secretary for Princess Diana.
The afternoon luncheon celebrated the achievements of women throughout history as well as the achievements of several local women who were each presented awards from the Soroptimist organization.
As guests enjoyed a delicious lunch, the program proceeded with introductions by Soroptimist International, Clear Lake President Linda Bozorgnia. A proclamation designating March as Women”s History Month locally, was presented by Clearlake Mayor Judy Thein. Following Thein”s presentation, the club”s annual awards that recognize significant achievements in the advancement of women were presented to local recipients.
Women”s Opportunity awards, including scholarships in the amount of $500, were presented to Annette Wheeler and Denise Newman. Wheeler is a teacher of disabled children and has made her contribution to the world, traveling abroad to help others. She currently works in a preschool and is working toward a degree.
Newman, a prenatal chemical dependency counselor, was recognized for her outstanding love of her community and her “pay it forward” motto.
Kimberly Mosher received the club”s $1,000 Women”s Opportunity scholarship. She is the first in her family to have graduated high school and has completed her Bachelor”s of Science in nursing. She is working toward a doctorate in pharmaceuticals.
“I love working with people,” Mosher said. “I love caring for them and helping them out. I”m working toward my RN so I can support my family and let them grow up with things I wasn”t able to grow up with.”
Each of the scholarships presented will help the women continue their educations, thereby advancing themselves, their families and women everywhere.
The Women Making a Difference award was presented to Janine Citron for her work with the Lake Family Resource Center, which operates a domestic violence shelter. Citron, a survivor of child abuse herself, dedicated the award to all women and people in attendance. “Without the spirit and integrity and compassion of women like you, I wouldn”t be here,” Citron said. “I hope my experience continues to inspire, myself and others, to continue to make an impact.”
The Violet Richardson Award, which is presented to a young woman for her contributions to her community, was presented in honor of Suzanne Luke of Carl? High School. Luke received a $250 scholarship and a $250 contribution was donated to her non-profit organization of choice, the Lower Lake Community Action Group. Luke was unable to attend Saturday”s event; her award was accepted on her behalf by Judy Mullens of the Lower Lake Community Action Group.
The award presentations was followed by a heartwarming detail of the life of Princess Diana as told by Skinner. In a light foreign accent, Skinner described and commended the humanitarian work that Princess Diana had so eagerly contributed to the world and how people had reacted to her. “It means a great deal to me that Diana meant so much to people, because she meant so much to me,” Skinner began.
Skinner”s story described the coming-of-age struggles of one girl on her rise from common wealth to royalty. “Domestic crisis is not confined to any one community,” Skinner said in relation to Diana”s struggle through adolescence, having been a high school drop-out herself.
She described Princess Diana”s love of her children and of the people. She commended all mothers and the difference they make. “One woman makes a difference,” she said. “One woman can change the world just by loving a child.” Skinner spoke of the importance the princess had in educating her own children on the needs of humanity. “She was making her children aware of the trials and suffering of humanity so that they, themselves, could make a difference,” Skinner said as she recollected charity trips taken with Princess Diana and young princes William and Harry.
“Gifts of lights, acts of kindness and love can make as much a difference in people”s lives as giving money,” Skinner concluded. “When I”m trying to do good, I”m never afraid.”
Skinner”s presentation was accompanied by a slide show depicting the Princess in her many charitable works across the globe. Prior to her death, Princess Diana was recognized with Soroptimist International”s Women Making a Difference award.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
